Hurricane, Severe Thunderstorms, Tornado, Tsunami

Hurricanes and Coastal Storms CERT Basic Training Hazards

Hurricanes and Coastal Storms Violent areas of low pressure forming in tropics Have winds of 75 mph or more Accompanied by torrential rains Coastal Storms Typically form along East Coast Produce similar damage to hurricanes CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Hurricane

Hurricane and Coastal Storm Risks Strong winds and storm surge can: Damage or destroy structures Lift and move unstable structures and objects Damage utility and sewage lines Give rise to tornadoes Make roads impassable Disrupt communication lines Cause coastal erosion Cause floods Threaten lives https://youtu.be/kfjKsfbLitY https://youtu.be/TJ5C7TsBsao CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Hurricane

Saffir-Simpson Scale Measures wind speed Has five categories I: 74-95 mph II: 96-110 mph III: 111-130 mph IV: 131-155 mph V: More than 155 mph https://www.wral.com/weather/hurricanes/video/17727419/ CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Hurricane 4

Statistics 100 million Americans are at risk for hurricanes Almost 14 million live in an area where winds greater than 125 mph have been recorded (i.e., tip of Florida to North Carolina coast) More than 6 million live in storm surge areas CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Hurricane 5

Preparing for a Hurricane Know risk and evacuation routes Develop action plan Secure needed supplies Floodproof property Create personal disaster supply kit for your family Secure mobile homes CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Hurricane 6

Before a Hurricane Board up all windows and glass doors Check batteries Stock up on nonperishable food Listen to EAS CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Hurricane 7

Stay or Go? If in evacuation zone, leave immediately Determine where you will go Leave as early as possible If not in evacuation zone: Follow sheltering guidelines Determine safe room in home Fortify house Assist those with special needs CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Hurricane 8

During a Hurricane Stay indoors Stay away from flood waters Be aware of the “eye” Be alert for tornadoes CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Hurricane 9

After a Hurricane Do not reenter area until it is declared safe Use flashlight to inspect for damage Wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and bug repellant Check on neighbors If you use a generator, take safety precautions Stay away from downed power lines Turn off utilities, if necessary Listen to EAS https://youtu.be/iuegTyoeX-U CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Hurricane 10

CERT Basic Training Hazards Severe Thunderstorms CERT Basic Training Hazards

Emergency Alert System What is the Emergency Alert System? https://youtu.be/z2wDa-rExE4 CERT Basic Training, Search and Rescue Operations

A Severe Thunderstorm … Produces hail at least ¾ inch in diameter Has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher Produces a tornado CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Thunderstorms

Thunderstorm Risks Lightning Hail Downbursts and straight-line winds Flash floods Tornadoes https://youtu.be/QC8am8IVlow CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Thunderstorms

Thunderstorm Preparedness Understand the risk Learn to make a small target Pay attention to warnings Check for hazards in your yard Bring outdoor furniture inside Remove dead or overhanging limbs CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Thunderstorms 15

During a Thunderstorm Things to avoid Water sources Telephone Being outdoors CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Thunderstorms 16

If You Are Outdoors Get away from water sources Seek shelter in substantial building If necessary: Take shelter in car or Go to low-lying area and make small target Avoid natural lightning rods CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Thunderstorms 17

CERT Basic Training Hazards Tornadoes CERT Basic Training Hazards

A Tornado Is… Violently rotating column of air: Extending between, and in contact with, cloud and earth’s surface May be accompanied by winds in excess of 200 miles per hour CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tornadoes

Tornado Risks Rip trees apart Destroy buildings Uproot structures and objects Send debris and glass flying Overturn cars and mobile homes CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tornadoes

Tornado Facts Occur in every state About 800 reported every year About 180 people killed every year Season runs March – August, but tornadoes can occur any time of year Can occur any time of day but most likely to occur 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Annual damage can be hundreds of millions https://youtu.be/48x50McOHR8 CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tornadoes 21

Fujita Wind-Damage Scale Measures tornado strength Six levels: F0: 65-85 mph, Light damage F1: 86-110 mph, Moderate damage F2: 111-135 mph, Considerable damage F3: 136-165 mph, Severe damage F4: 166-200 mph, Devastating damage F5: 201+ mph, Incredible damage https://youtu.be/C7Wrj7mTJ6M CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tornadoes 22

Tornado Preparedness Know the risk Identify potential shelter areas Learn the community’s warning system Conduct family tornado drills CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tornadoes 23

Tornado Warning Signs High winds Very large hail CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tornadoes 24

During a Tornado Keep windows and doors closed and stay away from them Use shielding and protective clothing Furniture Blankets Bike helmets Listen to EAS or NOAA Weather Radio CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tornadoes 25

After a Tornado Avoid fallen power lines or broken utility lines Stay out of damaged areas Stay out of damaged buildings Use a flashlight to look for damage Turn off utilities Reserve telephone for emergencies CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tornadoes 26

CERT Basic Training Hazards Tsunamis CERT Basic Training Hazards

A Tsunami Is… An ocean wave produced by underwater earthquakes or landslides CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tsunamis

Tsunami Risks Flooding Contamination of drinking water Fires from ruptured tanks or gas lines Loss of vital community infrastructure Complete devastation of coastal areas Death https://youtu.be/oWzdgBNfhQU CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tsunamis

Tsunami Facts 24 tsunamis have caused damage in U.S. and territories during past 224 years Wave height ranges: inches to 100+ feet Tsunamis can travel upstream in coastal estuaries and rivers Damaging waves as high as 60 feet extending inland from immediate coast First wave of tsunami is usually not largest CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tsunamis 30

Tsunami Preparedness Know risk and “coastal clues” Plan and practice evacuation routes Discuss tsunamis with your family Talk to your insurance agent Use NOAA Weather Radio CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tsunamis 31

Tsunami Preparedness If strong, coastal earthquake occurs: Drop, cover, and hold When shaking stops, evacuate quickly to higher ground away from coast, up to two miles inland Gather your family Leave everything else behind Avoid downed power lines, buildings, and bridges CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tsunamis 32

If a Warning is Issued If in tsunami risk area, evacuate immediately Follow instructions issued by local authorities Get to higher ground as far inland as possible Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or Coast Guard emergency frequency station Return home only after local officials tell you that it is safe If already out on ocean, be sure to get as far from coast as possible CERT Basic Training Unit 1: Tsunamis 33 33

CERT Basic Training, Search and Rescue Operations Indian Ocean tsunami December 26, 2004 Undersea earthquake of 9.1 A series of large tsunamis up to 30 metres (100 ft) high were created by the underwater seismic activity. Communities along the surrounding coasts of the Indian Ocean were seriously affected, and the tsunamis killed an estimated 227,898 people in 14 countries. CERT Basic Training, Search and Rescue Operations

CERT Basic Training, Search and Rescue Operations https://youtu.be/a_ZIPrBm3V0 CERT Basic Training, Search and Rescue Operations